Bariatric Surgery

Procedure of Bariatric Surgery

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The term Bariatric Surgery in general includes the causes, prevention and treatment of severe obesity. The surgical process involves use of simple anesthesia along with an abdominal incision, depending upon the requirement.

Bariatric Surgery can be chiefly divided into 2 ways-

  • Restrictive as done in Lap band or –its example is Adjustable gastric band (AGB)
  • Combined restrictive and melabsorptive ,example includes -
    -Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB)
    -Biliopancreatic diversion with a duodenal switch (BPD-DS)
    -Vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG)

In AGB the amount of food in taken by an individual is controlled by placing a band on the top of the stomach which creates a small pouch almost similar to a thumb. The outlet size can be changed by a circular balloon inside the band. It is most preferred among the people.

In Gastric bypass form of weight loss surgery a small portion of the stomach is clipped off & that smaller portion is then attached to the intestine & rest of the stomach is rendered dormant and does not take part in absorption of food. Thus, reducing the food ingesting capability of the patient.

Biliopancreatic diversion with a duodenal switch is the most complicated as it includes 3 steps –

  • First is, removal of a major portion of the stomach
  • Secondly, changing the route of digestive enzymes, to reduce absorption of food
  • Lastly, redirection of bile and other such juice to impair digestion.

The amount of risk involved in BPD-DS is high as it leads to decrease in absorption of vitamins and minerals which are of out most important.

In vertical sleeve surgery a significant portion of the stomach is removed leaving behind a sleeve portion of the stomach. It is least commonly practiced as it may lead to reduction in secretion of a vital hormone gherlin as result of which hunger level may shift down more than desired.

Another choice can be open & laparoscopic procedure of Bariatric surgery. It involves creating an abdominal incision of about ½ inch into which sophisticated instrument are inserted. The site of insertion is guided by a camera and it can be observed on a monitor present in front of the surgeons. It is more preferred as it does small cut, less damage of tissues and the patient is discharged very early.